“We have a New American Hero in Steve Vail”–Patricia Cornwell

This time last year I picked up a book by a new mystery author, Noah Boyd.  He is a former FBI agent who spent more than 20 years with the Bureau where he worked on the Green River Killer case and the Highland Park Strangler case.  When I read that in his bio it really peaked my interest in The Bricklayer.  Well I was certainly not disappointed. Now here we are at the end of 2010 and I have to say that The Bricklayer is one of my favorite books that I read this year.  Needless to say, when I received my ARC of Boyd’s new novel, Agent X,  I was thrilled.  I almost put down everything else and jumped in but I used a little self-control and put it in my suitcase.  You see I actually had a little Christmas holiday this year and was trying to save some books to read on my break.  I packed by carry one bag with Agent X on the top, and let me tell you I hadn’t even gotten on the plane before I was reading it!

I really like the main characters, Steve Vail–who has been fired from the FBI for insubordination but always seems to get caught back up in some really messy cases and Kate Bannon–deputy assistant director in the FBI who seems to be the only one that Steve trusts and will work with. Vail comes to Washington, D.C. to have what he thinks is going to be a New Years date with Kate (she has other ideas) and of course spies never take a holiday and this case is one that only Steve Vail can solve.  An officer at the Russian embassy, known only as Calculus, has contacted the FBI and he has a list of Americans who are selling information to the Russian SVR.  He will give up the names for a small price–$250,000 each.  The FBI really wants to keep this quiet but anything that involves Steve Vail is going to be a wild ride with lots of casualties.  Another reason I love these books is that they are jammed packed with action.

Agent X will be out on February 8 but don’t worry if you come by the store I will make sure that you all know it is out and ready to be read!  The Bricklayer is out in paperback now so come on by and get to know Steve Vail.